Debtor
/ˈdɛb.tər/noun
A person who owes a debt to another party.
Did you know?In ancient Roman law, debtors were often subjected to severe consequences, including imprisonment or forced labor, reflecting the weight of their obligations.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*dā-
“to give or to put in order, suggesting an obligation.”
Latin
Latin
debere
“to owe, to be indebted, a direct reference to the state of owing.”
Old French
Old French
debtour
“a borrower or one who is obligated to repay.”
Middle English
Middle English
debtor
“a person who is obligated to pay or repay money.”
Modern English
English
debtor
“a person owing a debt, maintaining its financial connotation throughout history.”